The Blakeney sisters, based in Los Angeles, have an unofficial partnership that is practically official. These sisters have always been there for each other, serving as advisors, co-designers, and trusted confidantes. Faith, known for her talent as an interior designer, has made a name for herself in residential design, indie boutiques, and addiction recovery centers. Justina, on the other hand, is the creative force behind Jungalow, a popular home decor brand that has collaborated with major retailers such as Target and Anthropologie.
Growing up in Berkeley, California, with a Black father and Jewish mother, the Blakeney sisters were exposed to a unique blend of cultures. They credit their upbringing for fostering personal growth, connection, and human development. Faith, a single mother, and Justina, a mother of a 10-year-old, have a deep bond and have been partners in their ventures since they graduated from college and opened a vintage shop in Florence, Italy.
While both sisters share an affinity for vibrant colors and bold patterns, they have their own distinct design styles. Faith describes her style as eclectic, while Justina draws inspiration from nature, incorporating botanical motifs and houseplants into her designs.
The field of interior design is predominantly female, but statistics show that only 1.5% of designers are Black. While there has been progress in recent years, with more recognition for designers of color, Faith questions whether this is genuine change or simply tokenism.
Justina’s profile has skyrocketed since her appearance on the cover of Architectural Digest, while Faith’s practice remains focused on her clients. Faith’s secret to successful design lies in understanding her clients and creating spaces that truly reflect their essence.
Faith recently collaborated with interior designer Sachiko Bradley to create a workspace for artist Adrien Beard that showcases African and African American art and design without feeling contrived. This partnership demonstrates Faith’s ability to help clients express their cultural identities without limitations.
The sisters have also joined forces on several projects, including the Jungalow pop-up shop in Los Angeles and Bottom Bunk, a sneaker shop designed by Faith and co-owned by their brother Yeshaia.
When it comes to maintaining boundaries between family and business, the Blakeney sisters prefer to blur the lines. They effortlessly transition between discussing work and personal matters, finding joy in each other’s successes and sharing their creative ideas.
They rely on each other in professional settings as well. Faith seeks Justina’s insights on technology and social media strategies, while Justina values Faith’s resources and expertise on hiring and personnel matters.
When it comes to choosing clients, Faith believes that it’s more about the clients choosing her. There is a sense of kinship and understanding between Faith and her clients, whether it’s because of their cultural backgrounds or shared values.
Faith describes herself as a “design healer” and believes that design has the power to heal. Working closely with clients in their homes during significant life transitions allows her to tap into the intimate nature of the design process, supporting them in manifesting their desires and aspirations.
As their careers continue to grow, the sisters prioritize personal and professional growth. Justina believes in slow, steady, and incremental growth with a strong foundation, while Faith feels a pressure to grow both in her business and as a person. They embrace various activities and resources, such as book clubs, therapy, and support groups, to nurture their personal and creative growth.
For aspiring designers, Faith advises not to let circumstances define their dreams. She encourages others to pursue their passions, even in challenging circumstances. Justina, on the other hand, highlights the importance of interpersonal skills in business success, emphasizing the value of building strong relationships.
Finally, Faith’s best advice for aspiring designers is to invest in travel. She believes that traveling expands one’s consciousness and enriches life, emphasizing that abundance is a mindset rather than a number.
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